July 10, 2015 By Jim EricsonWe all have pioneer stories, ways in which we’ve blazed new paths to give ourselves and our families a chance at a brighter future. Documenting this legacy in family records can allow it to be shared with generations to come.

Some people hear the phrase pioneer stories and immediately imagine covered wagons crossing the plains. Others may think of a famous explorer, scientist, or another person crossing frontiers.

Celebrating the feats of people who have famously expanded our world is important, but it needn’t diminish the significance of our own achievements – whether or not they are widely known by others.

To celebrate the pioneer in all of us, we’ve asked family historians to look within and identify achievements they’d like to be part of their legacy. Let their pioneer stories serve as inspiration to think about your accomplishments. Then share a pioneer story you’d like as part of your family record like that of Family Historian . . .

Blazing New Paths: Genealogists Share Their Achievements in Pioneer Stories

Lisa Alzo

Although I’ve never thought of myself as a pioneer, I’d be honored to know that others considered me a trailblazer.Twenty-five years ago, I began my journey as a genealogist and writer. As a graduate student in creative nonfiction writing at the University of Pittsburgh I wrote my thesis about my grandmother to tell the story of her immigration to America from Slovakia. The thesis evolved into my first book, Three Slovak Women. What followed was a new and unexpected career as a genealogy professional where I now have the opportunity to hopefully inspire others who have similar family backgrounds.Lisa is founder of The Accidental Genealogist. You can follow her on Twitter.Are you preserving family stories or helping others document the lives of ancestors? Share a pioneer story of your own that can one day be included in family records!

A.J. Jacobs

I’m nowhere near the pioneer that my ancestors were. I mean, they uprooted their lives with little money and left the Ukraine. That still gives me chills. The best that I can offer is that I’m the first in my family to visit Salt Lake City. Which I loved. But it wasn’t exactly a hardship, especially since I got to explore RootsTech. Though I suppose the floor was, at times, almost as crowded as Ellis Island probably was back in the day.A.J. is the founder of Global Family Reunion. You can follow himon Twitter.

Diahan SouthardWhen I think of a pioneer, I think of one with a spirit of adventure, who knows that failures are inevitable and valuable parts of the path, and above all, has faith that the trail they are blazing will lead to a better life for themselves and their families.For me, and millions of mothers like me, we are pioneers as we raise children in a media saturated world. We have coined the term “screen time,” we have spent hours on porches and backyards and living rooms discussing how to both remove the bad and promote the good that these devices have to offer our children. On this adventure we are failing, and we are succeeding, and we have faith that our efforts will lead to strong children and families and communities.Diahan is the founder of Your DNA Guide. You can follow her on Twitter.

Thomas MacEnteePioneers have always been on the lookout for opportunities, for themselves and their families. As an entrepreneur in the genealogy industry, I’m always looking for ways to improve the family history experience through new products and services.When I find a new “gold nugget” I try to share it with as many others as possible. What’s more important to me is sharing these opportunities rather than hoarding them for my own personal benefit. A community always benefits when more hands and minds are involved in building a better mousetrap.Thomas is the founder of GeneaBloggers. You can follow him on Twitter.

Carissa RasmussenI am pioneering my way through technology and learning as much as I can so that I can educate my children on how to protect themselves from dangers out there. I am partnering with my grandparents to digitize treasured family memories to help keep the stories of our loved ones alive.Carissa is the founder of Carissa Miss. You can follow her on Instagram.How are you blazing new and safe paths for you and your family? Share your pioneer story, taking time to document it.